Call to cap fares after price hike

AS the hike in train fares hit commuters in Swindon yesterday, the 20 per cent increase in four years was brought under the spotlight by Coun Mark Dempsey.

Coun Dempsey (Lab, Walcot & Park North) visited the train station during both the morning and evening rush hours, with supporters from the Labour party, to remind passengers of the astro- nomical rise they have experienced since 2010.

The country has been faced with an average increase of 2.8 per cent this year, with the average increase on First Great Western lines, including Swindon, standing at 3.1 per cent.

“We are reminding people that rail fares have increased by 20 per cent since 2010,” said Coun Dempsey.

“It shows another example of the cost of living crisis under the Conservatives.

“Lots of people that we spoke to were concerned about the fares going up.

“Labour want to bring in a tougher cap on rail fares. The most important thing is a cap on prices to halt this rise which has been non-stop since 2010.”

Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, said: “You should judge people on their actions. The previous government failed to put any sort of cap on prices.

“It is encouraging the current government has reduced the increases. At one stage it was, RPI (Retail Price Index) plus three per cent, but the Conservative government has brought that down, year on year, to RPI plus one per cent.

“What’s key is the value for money passengers are being offered. For example, the number of standard class carriages on the train. The investment being put into rail infrastructure will be used to fund the electrification of hundreds of miles of track, instead of the nine miles, electrified under the last government. This will benefit everybody with higher volume of trains and more capacity.”

Right Move, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and National Rail also released figures yesterday which highlighted the amount of money being saved by those who choose to commute rather than live in London.

Based on average property prices in Swindon and London, plus the annual mortgage saving and cost of a season ticket, those living in Swindon are saving £5,713 per year.

This may prove a far larger saving than for those living in Oxford, who make a loss of £2,132, or Reading, who save £5,428, but those living in Southampton and Rugby, with similar house prices to Swindon, are making a greater saving with far cheaper train tickets.

Commuters from Rugby, Warwickshire, save £7,679 per year, with journey times under an hour, whereas Southampton residents will pocket an extra £8,600 per year, with a season ticket almost half the cost of travel from Swindon.

Do any of the above work in London? Would any of them actually pay for their own train tickets even if they did need to travel to London?

As the article points out very clearly, those choosing to live in Swindon but work in Swindon are saving £5,713 per year even if they do commute by rail.

Labour rabble rousers at it again. I sincerely hope that none of the decent working people they accosted at the station actually thought these chancers gave a monkeys about them. Tell them you'll not be voting Labour at the next election and then see how 'concerned' they are about your finances...

Still, good of them to 'remind' those who actually buy the tickets that they've increased in price over the last four years. Who'd have imagined that happening?

How are the usual Labour apologists going to spin this photo then?
From left-to-right:
Labour Group Leader, Jim Grant
Labour's South Swindon Parliamentary Candidate and close friend of Gordon Brown, Anne Snelgrove
Labour's North Swindon Parliamentary Candidate and Labour councillor, Mark Dempsey
Do any of the above work in London? Would any of them actually pay for their own train tickets even if they did need to travel to London?
As the article points out very clearly, those choosing to live in Swindon but work in Swindon are saving £5,713 per year even if they do commute by rail.
Labour rabble rousers at it again. I sincerely hope that none of the decent working people they accosted at the station actually thought these chancers gave a monkeys about them. Tell them you'll not be voting Labour at the next election and then see how 'concerned' they are about your finances...
Still, good of them to 'remind' those who actually buy the tickets that they've increased in price over the last four years. Who'd have imagined that happening?Ringer

Do any of the above work in London? Would any of them actually pay for their own train tickets even if they did need to travel to London?

As the article points out very clearly, those choosing to live in Swindon but work in Swindon are saving £5,713 per year even if they do commute by rail.

Labour rabble rousers at it again. I sincerely hope that none of the decent working people they accosted at the station actually thought these chancers gave a monkeys about them. Tell them you'll not be voting Labour at the next election and then see how 'concerned' they are about your finances...

Still, good of them to 'remind' those who actually buy the tickets that they've increased in price over the last four years. Who'd have imagined that happening?

Score: 7

house on the hill
6:46am Tue 7 Jan 14

Do people really have the idea that wages should go up and prices should remain the same? Where have they been the last few years! How can you cap private prices anyway?

Do people really have the idea that wages should go up and prices should remain the same? Where have they been the last few years! How can you cap private prices anyway?house on the hill

Do people really have the idea that wages should go up and prices should remain the same? Where have they been the last few years! How can you cap private prices anyway?

Score: 8

John~R
8:18am Tue 7 Jan 14

It's a free world. People have the choice to live closer to where they work.

And the season ticket holders get a very good price compared to a normal peak hours ticket.

It's a free world. People have the choice to live closer to where they work.
And the season ticket holders get a very good price compared to a normal peak hours ticket.John~R

It's a free world. People have the choice to live closer to where they work.

And the season ticket holders get a very good price compared to a normal peak hours ticket.

Score: 7

LordAshOfTheBrake
9:06am Tue 7 Jan 14

Being a former commuter by train, I'm pretty sure there were inflation busting rises before the coalition came to power.

Perhaps the Adver could do some research and show price rises for the last 20 years to give a fuller picture.

Being a former commuter by train, I'm pretty sure there were inflation busting rises before the coalition came to power.
Perhaps the Adver could do some research and show price rises for the last 20 years to give a fuller picture.LordAshOfTheBrake

Being a former commuter by train, I'm pretty sure there were inflation busting rises before the coalition came to power.

Perhaps the Adver could do some research and show price rises for the last 20 years to give a fuller picture.

Score: 10

ging999
11:00am Tue 7 Jan 14

LordAshOfTheBrake wrote…

Being a former commuter by train, I'm pretty sure there were inflation busting rises before the coalition came to power.

Perhaps the Adver could do some research and show price rises for the last 20 years to give a fuller picture.

In 2008 the average increase was 5% with some fares increasing by 11%. Would Ms. Snelgrove like to remind us which government was in power then?.

[quote][p][bold]LordAshOfTheBrake[/bold] wrote:
Being a former commuter by train, I'm pretty sure there were inflation busting rises before the coalition came to power.
Perhaps the Adver could do some research and show price rises for the last 20 years to give a fuller picture.[/p][/quote]In 2008 the average increase was 5% with some fares increasing by 11%. Would Ms. Snelgrove like to remind us which government was in power then?.ging999

LordAshOfTheBrake wrote…

Being a former commuter by train, I'm pretty sure there were inflation busting rises before the coalition came to power.

Perhaps the Adver could do some research and show price rises for the last 20 years to give a fuller picture.

In 2008 the average increase was 5% with some fares increasing by 11%. Would Ms. Snelgrove like to remind us which government was in power then?.

Score: 8

FLOGGITLAD
11:14am Tue 7 Jan 14

As with the last phoot call, when the 17 year old was dragged into it, but has now gone and replaced by Mr Grant, who has proven he couldn't run a p--- up in a council cabinet debate, if they want to be seen as credible, then give the prices May '97 to May 2010. Its simple but given that gas went up by 29%, while Milliband was energy Sec, you wont hear a thing. Hypocrites....

As with the last phoot call, when the 17 year old was dragged into it, but has now gone and replaced by Mr Grant, who has proven he couldn't run a p--- up in a council cabinet debate, if they want to be seen as credible, then give the prices May '97 to May 2010. Its simple but given that gas went up by 29%, while Milliband was energy Sec, you wont hear a thing. Hypocrites....FLOGGITLAD

As with the last phoot call, when the 17 year old was dragged into it, but has now gone and replaced by Mr Grant, who has proven he couldn't run a p--- up in a council cabinet debate, if they want to be seen as credible, then give the prices May '97 to May 2010. Its simple but given that gas went up by 29%, while Milliband was energy Sec, you wont hear a thing. Hypocrites....

Score: 7

FLOGGITLAD
11:16am Tue 7 Jan 14

Mrs Snelgrove wont say or do or vote anything that could danger her chance of a job.....

Mrs Snelgrove wont say or do or vote anything that could danger her chance of a job.....FLOGGITLAD

Mrs Snelgrove wont say or do or vote anything that could danger her chance of a job.....

Score: 9

swindondad
1:01pm Tue 7 Jan 14

I would not call 3.1% pa an "astro- nomical rise" and as stated in the article the raste of fare rises has been reduced "RPI +3% to RPI + 1%".

Still let us not expect Lobour to let the FACTS get in the way of a good "Photo oppertunity".

I would not call 3.1% pa an "astro- nomical rise" and as stated in the article the raste of fare rises has been reduced "RPI +3% to RPI + 1%".
Still let us not expect Lobour to let the FACTS get in the way of a good "Photo oppertunity".swindondad

I would not call 3.1% pa an "astro- nomical rise" and as stated in the article the raste of fare rises has been reduced "RPI +3% to RPI + 1%".

Still let us not expect Lobour to let the FACTS get in the way of a good "Photo oppertunity".

Score: 9

Davey Gravey
1:16pm Tue 7 Jan 14

Putting politics aside, train fares are ridiculously high. Roads are gridlocked so rail travel should be encouraged and affordable.

Putting politics aside, train fares are ridiculously high. Roads are gridlocked so rail travel should be encouraged and affordable.Davey Gravey

Putting politics aside, train fares are ridiculously high. Roads are gridlocked so rail travel should be encouraged and affordable.

Score: 0

FLOGGITLAD
1:52pm Tue 7 Jan 14

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....FLOGGITLAD

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....

Score: 2

Davey Gravey
2:02pm Tue 7 Jan 14

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....

Profits could go into the running of it, not fat cats pockets.
Remember, the tax payer is still propping up the trains despite them being privatised. If it was not for profit and a public service I'd hope prices could be kept down.

[quote][p][bold]FLOGGITLAD[/bold] wrote:
Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....[/p][/quote]Profits could go into the running of it, not fat cats pockets.
Remember, the tax payer is still propping up the trains despite them being privatised. If it was not for profit and a public service I'd hope prices could be kept down.Davey Gravey

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....

Profits could go into the running of it, not fat cats pockets.
Remember, the tax payer is still propping up the trains despite them being privatised. If it was not for profit and a public service I'd hope prices could be kept down.

Score: 2

FLOGGITLAD
2:07pm Tue 7 Jan 14

So, Mr Davey, tell us what was the %rise each year between '97 and 2010.
How can you have profits, if you are running at bare prices?.
A Hint, 2008, it was between 5 and 11%!!!!

So, Mr Davey, tell us what was the %rise each year between '97 and 2010.
How can you have profits, if you are running at bare prices?.
A Hint, 2008, it was between 5 and 11%!!!!FLOGGITLAD

So, Mr Davey, tell us what was the %rise each year between '97 and 2010.
How can you have profits, if you are running at bare prices?.
A Hint, 2008, it was between 5 and 11%!!!!

Score: -1

ChannelX
2:09pm Tue 7 Jan 14

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....

Exactly.

What is the problem with expecting those who use the trains on a daily basis having to pay for using them? Costs don't stand still, so it's inevitable that train fares rise - just like everything everyone else has to buy.

It's actually quite laughable to start these kind of 'campaigns' where somebody tells somebody else it'd be good if they could pay less. Of course it would be, but somebody, somewhere always does end up paying for it.

Why shouldn't train users be the ones to pay for their own train usage?

[quote][p][bold]FLOGGITLAD[/bold] wrote:
Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....[/p][/quote]Exactly.
What is the problem with expecting those who use the trains on a daily basis having to pay for using them? Costs don't stand still, so it's inevitable that train fares rise - just like everything everyone else has to buy.
It's actually quite laughable to start these kind of 'campaigns' where somebody tells somebody else it'd be good if they could pay less. Of course it would be, but somebody, somewhere always does end up paying for it.
Why shouldn't train users be the ones to pay for their own train usage?ChannelX

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

Very commendable Davey, but who pays for it then.....

Exactly.

What is the problem with expecting those who use the trains on a daily basis having to pay for using them? Costs don't stand still, so it's inevitable that train fares rise - just like everything everyone else has to buy.

It's actually quite laughable to start these kind of 'campaigns' where somebody tells somebody else it'd be good if they could pay less. Of course it would be, but somebody, somewhere always does end up paying for it.

Why shouldn't train users be the ones to pay for their own train usage?

Score: 3

Davey Gravey
2:11pm Tue 7 Jan 14

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

So, Mr Davey, tell us what was the %rise each year between '97 and 2010.
How can you have profits, if you are running at bare prices?.
A Hint, 2008, it was between 5 and 11%!!!!

I don't know the answer to the % rise. What is the relevance of that question anyway?
What I do know is that trains are expensive to use and although private are being funded by the tax payers still.
Are you saying the train operators do so at a loss?

[quote][p][bold]FLOGGITLAD[/bold] wrote:
So, Mr Davey, tell us what was the %rise each year between '97 and 2010.
How can you have profits, if you are running at bare prices?.
A Hint, 2008, it was between 5 and 11%!!!![/p][/quote]I don't know the answer to the % rise. What is the relevance of that question anyway?
What I do know is that trains are expensive to use and although private are being funded by the tax payers still.
Are you saying the train operators do so at a loss?Davey Gravey

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

So, Mr Davey, tell us what was the %rise each year between '97 and 2010.
How can you have profits, if you are running at bare prices?.
A Hint, 2008, it was between 5 and 11%!!!!

I don't know the answer to the % rise. What is the relevance of that question anyway?
What I do know is that trains are expensive to use and although private are being funded by the tax payers still.
Are you saying the train operators do so at a loss?

Score: -2

FLOGGITLAD
2:21pm Tue 7 Jan 14

the revelance to that question is that labour hypocrites have been now in the adver twice in the last few days, saying faire prices are to high, and yet in one year alone, under them it went up by 5-11%
want to comment on the fuel escalator that they left in place when they were kicked out of office which if not stopped by this lot, would mean that petrol would now be at least 20p a litre more, what effect do you think that would have on bus\train fares....

the revelance to that question is that labour hypocrites have been now in the adver twice in the last few days, saying faire prices are to high, and yet in one year alone, under them it went up by 5-11%
want to comment on the fuel escalator that they left in place when they were kicked out of office which if not stopped by this lot, would mean that petrol would now be at least 20p a litre more, what effect do you think that would have on bus\train fares....FLOGGITLAD

the revelance to that question is that labour hypocrites have been now in the adver twice in the last few days, saying faire prices are to high, and yet in one year alone, under them it went up by 5-11%
want to comment on the fuel escalator that they left in place when they were kicked out of office which if not stopped by this lot, would mean that petrol would now be at least 20p a litre more, what effect do you think that would have on bus\train fares....

Score: 3

FLOGGITLAD
2:23pm Tue 7 Jan 14

Prices have gone up this year by 2.5% and they want a cap on rises, so did they have one in 2008????

Prices have gone up this year by 2.5% and they want a cap on rises, so did they have one in 2008????FLOGGITLAD

Prices have gone up this year by 2.5% and they want a cap on rises, so did they have one in 2008????

Score: 3

A.Baron-Cohen
2:31pm Tue 7 Jan 14

They can deduct the cost of commuting from their income tax liability.......mean
ing they travel for free!

They can deduct the cost of commuting from their income tax liability.......mean
ing they travel for free!A.Baron-Cohen

They can deduct the cost of commuting from their income tax liability.......mean
ing they travel for free!

Score: 1

Davey Gravey
2:37pm Tue 7 Jan 14

I'm not interested in political point scoring.
I'm purely interested in seeing fair prices and a decent rail service.
There is another article on this page about re-nationalising the railways but nobody has commented on it as it doesn't have a Labour or Tory representative in it. Everything has to turn into politics on here.

I'm not interested in political point scoring.
I'm purely interested in seeing fair prices and a decent rail service.
There is another article on this page about re-nationalising the railways but nobody has commented on it as it doesn't have a Labour or Tory representative in it. Everything has to turn into politics on here.Davey Gravey

I'm not interested in political point scoring.
I'm purely interested in seeing fair prices and a decent rail service.
There is another article on this page about re-nationalising the railways but nobody has commented on it as it doesn't have a Labour or Tory representative in it. Everything has to turn into politics on here.

Score: 1

FLOGGITLAD
2:47pm Tue 7 Jan 14

Only when you have labour hypocrites getting in on the photo calls, the first one had a 17 year old, who I doubt has never paid for a fare himself and the others just claim claim......

Only when you have labour hypocrites getting in on the photo calls, the first one had a 17 year old, who I doubt has never paid for a fare himself and the others just claim claim......FLOGGITLAD

Only when you have labour hypocrites getting in on the photo calls, the first one had a 17 year old, who I doubt has never paid for a fare himself and the others just claim claim......

Score: 2

EmmBee
2:58pm Tue 7 Jan 14

Ms Snelgrove is only there because she thought someone said "gravy train"

Ms Snelgrove is only there because she thought someone said "gravy train"EmmBee

Ms Snelgrove is only there because she thought someone said "gravy train"

Score: 7

ChannelX
4:20pm Tue 7 Jan 14

Davey Gravey wrote…

I'm not interested in political point scoring.
I'm purely interested in seeing fair prices and a decent rail service.
There is another article on this page about re-nationalising the railways but nobody has commented on it as it doesn't have a Labour or Tory representative in it. Everything has to turn into politics on here.

Probably because anyone with any sense knows full well that re-nationalising the railways would be an absolute disaster.

Rail users would end up paying even more for their fares within a matter of years - if the government didn't divert yet more taxpayers' money to hide the problem, that is.

You seem to have completely missed the figures quoted in the article above. Those who live in Swindon but work in Swindon SAVE almost £6000 per year even after paying for their season rail ticket!

[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
I'm not interested in political point scoring.
I'm purely interested in seeing fair prices and a decent rail service.
There is another article on this page about re-nationalising the railways but nobody has commented on it as it doesn't have a Labour or Tory representative in it. Everything has to turn into politics on here.[/p][/quote]Probably because anyone with any sense knows full well that re-nationalising the railways would be an absolute disaster.
Rail users would end up paying even more for their fares within a matter of years - if the government didn't divert yet more taxpayers' money to hide the problem, that is.
You seem to have completely missed the figures quoted in the article above. Those who live in Swindon but work in Swindon SAVE almost £6000 per year even after paying for their season rail ticket!ChannelX

Davey Gravey wrote…

I'm not interested in political point scoring.
I'm purely interested in seeing fair prices and a decent rail service.
There is another article on this page about re-nationalising the railways but nobody has commented on it as it doesn't have a Labour or Tory representative in it. Everything has to turn into politics on here.

Probably because anyone with any sense knows full well that re-nationalising the railways would be an absolute disaster.

Rail users would end up paying even more for their fares within a matter of years - if the government didn't divert yet more taxpayers' money to hide the problem, that is.

You seem to have completely missed the figures quoted in the article above. Those who live in Swindon but work in Swindon SAVE almost £6000 per year even after paying for their season rail ticket!

Score: 3

ChannelX
4:21pm Tue 7 Jan 14

*work in London

*work in LondonChannelX

*work in London

Score: -1

trolley dolley
5:15pm Wed 8 Jan 14

COULD SOMEONE REMIND ME, WHEN IS THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION ?

COULD SOMEONE REMIND ME, WHEN IS THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION ?trolley dolley

COULD SOMEONE REMIND ME, WHEN IS THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION ?

Score: 0

Empty Car Park
5:17pm Wed 8 Jan 14

The railways are much better value in France and more efficient.

A return ticket from a town approximately 40 miles out of Paris cost us 15 euros.

That ticket also included use of the Metro (underground) and all day bus pass

The railways are much better value in France and more efficient.
A return ticket from a town approximately 40 miles out of Paris cost us 15 euros.
That ticket also included use of the Metro (underground) and all day bus passEmpty Car Park

The railways are much better value in France and more efficient.

A return ticket from a town approximately 40 miles out of Paris cost us 15 euros.

That ticket also included use of the Metro (underground) and all day bus pass

Score: -2

The Artist formally known as Grumpy Old Man
5:29pm Wed 8 Jan 14

Empty Car Park wrote…

The railways are much better value in France and more efficient.

A return ticket from a town approximately 40 miles out of Paris cost us 15 euros.

That ticket also included use of the Metro (underground) and all day bus pass

Maybe SNCF should buy into the UK network... They already operate in many other countries other than France...

[quote][p][bold]Empty Car Park[/bold] wrote:
The railways are much better value in France and more efficient.
A return ticket from a town approximately 40 miles out of Paris cost us 15 euros.
That ticket also included use of the Metro (underground) and all day bus pass[/p][/quote]Maybe SNCF should buy into the UK network... They already operate in many other countries other than France...The Artist formally known as Grumpy Old Man

Empty Car Park wrote…

The railways are much better value in France and more efficient.

A return ticket from a town approximately 40 miles out of Paris cost us 15 euros.

That ticket also included use of the Metro (underground) and all day bus pass

Maybe SNCF should buy into the UK network... They already operate in many other countries other than France...

Score: 2

FLOGGITLAD
8:39pm Wed 8 Jan 14

car park, you are just like these labour hypocrites, if the 40 mile journey is 15 euros, what is one for about 75 miles return then please,.
like the May '97 - May 2010 request
don't expect an answer....

car park, you are just like these labour hypocrites, if the 40 mile journey is 15 euros, what is one for about 75 miles return then please,.
like the May '97 - May 2010 request
don't expect an answer....FLOGGITLAD

car park, you are just like these labour hypocrites, if the 40 mile journey is 15 euros, what is one for about 75 miles return then please,.
like the May '97 - May 2010 request
don't expect an answer....

Score: -2

Empty Car Park
10:36pm Wed 8 Jan 14

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

car park, you are just like these labour hypocrites, if the 40 mile journey is 15 euros, what is one for about 75 miles return then please,.
like the May '97 - May 2010 request
don't expect an answer....

Huh?
What did my comment have to do with Labour or politics?

Just an observation that the rail service was better in France.
Not just the price but, the service, punctuality and connection links etc

[quote][p][bold]FLOGGITLAD[/bold] wrote:
car park, you are just like these labour hypocrites, if the 40 mile journey is 15 euros, what is one for about 75 miles return then please,.
like the May '97 - May 2010 request
don't expect an answer....[/p][/quote]Huh?
What did my comment have to do with Labour or politics?
Just an observation that the rail service was better in France.
Not just the price but, the service, punctuality and connection links etcEmpty Car Park

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

car park, you are just like these labour hypocrites, if the 40 mile journey is 15 euros, what is one for about 75 miles return then please,.
like the May '97 - May 2010 request
don't expect an answer....

Huh?
What did my comment have to do with Labour or politics?

Just an observation that the rail service was better in France.
Not just the price but, the service, punctuality and connection links etc

Score: 1

FLOGGITLAD
8:51am Thu 9 Jan 14

Yes, no answer then.... when are you lot going to grow up and get serious..

Yes, no answer then.... when are you lot going to grow up and get serious..FLOGGITLAD

Yes, no answer then.... when are you lot going to grow up and get serious..

Score: -1

The Artist formally known as Grumpy Old Man
9:07am Thu 9 Jan 14

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

Yes, no answer then.... when are you lot going to grow up and get serious..

Well I am grown up, and am being serious when I say that in this case Empty car park is absolutely right. The French train system is in the main far better than ours and cheaper.

I'm not sure what relevance your comment has?

[quote][p][bold]FLOGGITLAD[/bold] wrote:
Yes, no answer then.... when are you lot going to grow up and get serious..[/p][/quote]Well I am grown up, and am being serious when I say that in this case Empty car park is absolutely right. The French train system is in the main far better than ours and cheaper.
I'm not sure what relevance your comment has?The Artist formally known as Grumpy Old Man

FLOGGITLAD wrote…

Yes, no answer then.... when are you lot going to grow up and get serious..

Well I am grown up, and am being serious when I say that in this case Empty car park is absolutely right. The French train system is in the main far better than ours and cheaper.

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